RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s men’s field hockey team is preparing to face Hong Kong in their opening match of the 2026 Asian Games qualifiers. The match will take place in Bangkok, Thailand, from April 2-10, 2026.

The Red and White squad has been in the Thai capital since Monday, March 30, 2026, to finalize preparations. They immediately began intensive training sessions and trial matches to assess readiness for the official tournament.

In a friendly match held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Indonesia drew 1-1 with Sri Lanka. The result serves as an evaluation ahead of the crucial qualification matches.

Head coach Muhammad Dhaarma Raj confirmed that all players are in top condition and ready to compete. “The players are fit and ready for the 2026 Asian Games qualifiers,” he said on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Dhaarma emphasized that the team’s main target is to secure a spot at Asia’s largest multi-sport event in Japan. “Our target is to qualify for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, and we ask for the support of the Indonesian people,” he stated.

He also highlighted the importance of the opening match as the team’s first step in the tournament. “Hopefully we can win the opening match,” he added.

The match against Hong Kong on Thursday, April 2, 2026, will be Indonesia’s first test. A victory would significantly boost their chances of advancing further in the qualifiers.

The team’s preparation has included a national training camp that began in January 2026. All programs have been carried out through self-funded initiatives, including a series of trial matches ahead of the tournament.

Secretary General of the Indonesian Hockey Association (FHI), Yasser Arafat Suaidy, expressed hope for government support through the Ministry of Youth and Sports. “We hope Youth and Sports Ministry will provide support for the Indonesian hockey team in this event,” he said.

Meanwhile, players from the Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police (Polri) expressed appreciation for the support they have received. They said they are proud to represent Indonesia at the international level.

One of them, Second Brigadier Alam Fajar Kusuma, said the support motivates him to give his best. “Thank you to the National Police for allowing me to continue being an athlete,” he said.

Another police athlete, Second Brigadier Andrea Guntara, shared a similar sentiment. “The support is a great motivation for us to achieve success,” he said.

First Lieutenant (CHK) Nurul Maulana Yusuf described the opportunity as a responsibility to be carried out with full commitment. “It is an honor for us to receive permission from TNI leadership to strengthen the national team,” he said.

Another TNI officer, First Lieutenant (Inf) Fadli Muhamad, reaffirmed the team’s commitment to discipline and sportsmanship. “As TNI soldiers, we are proud to represent Indonesia and uphold the name of our institution,” he said. (Diffa Sephiawardhani/Sri Wahyuni)